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Nor'easter Expected to Hit on First Day of Spring: What You Need to Know

March 18, 2016

(NEW YORK) — Sunday is the first day of spring, but East Coasters shouldn’t anticipate a sunny day outdoors.

A Nor’easter is coming and is expected to bring rain, snow, sleet, gusty winds and chilly temperatures to cities including New York, Philadelphia and Boston.

Just over a week ago, East Coast residents were in shorts enjoying the sunshine in what was the warmest winter on record for much of the Northeast.

But Sunday, temperatures will be around 32 to 35 degrees in major cities and the snow will be classic for spring: very wet.

Spring might seem too late for snow, but meteorologists say spring-time snowstorms are completely normal and usually happen every year. January, February and March are the prime months for Nor’easters.

While it’s too early to accurately predict snow totals from this storm, New York City and Philadelphia could have 1 to 3 inches and Boston could have a few inches more.

The rough weather may dampen the spirits of some New York City runners participating in a half marathon Sunday. The weather in New York City may include a rain and snow mix, possible sleet, gusty winds and temperatures around 33 to 35 degrees.

The timing of the snow could still change in the next 48 hours but new short-term computer models Friday morning predict this schedule for the storm:8 a.m. Sunday

By morning, it may be already snowing in Philadelphia and raining in Washington, D.C.

The snow is expected to move into New York City at that time.6 p.m. Sunday

Snow, rain and sleet are expected in New York City and Philadelphia Sunday evening. The rain will be over in D.C. at that point.

Snow is also expected further north in Boston, Albany, New York, and Hartford, Connecticut.2 a.m. Monday

The snow is expected to end early in Philadelphia and New York, but the rain and snow may still be falling in Boston.

Heavy snow is expected Monday morning in New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and west of Boston.